Concord Announces New President

Bethany Meighen was announced as the 13th President at Concord University Friday morning. She was selected by the Board of Governors April 15.

Meighen will assume the role in July 2025, ahead of current president Kendra S. Boggess’ retirement in August after 41 years at the university. Boggess served as Concord’s president for more than a decade.

“Concord University is making a meaningful difference in the lives of its students, the surrounding communities, and beyond—a mission I’m eager to use all my energy and experience to support and advance,” Meighen said in a press release. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, students, and the entire campus community to build on the university’s strong foundation and help shape its future in the years to come.”

Meighen comes to the university in Athens, West Virginia from the University of North Carolina System, where she served as its Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. 

“Dr. Meighen’s strong background in higher education administration and her experience shaping policies related to admissions and student support services position her to strengthen and cultivate the strategically sound foundation President Kendra Boggess has built over her tenure,” said Board Chairman Dave Barnette. “The Board of Governors is grateful for the work the Presidential Search Committee has done over several months leading up to this decision, and we look forward to what the future brings.”

Meighen holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Charleston, where she previously served as the Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, Director of Marketing and Alumni Relations, and Dean of Student Life.